Watches
1920s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
1880s Modern Antique Watches
18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Watches
Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Watches
Diamond, White Gold
Mid-20th Century Swiss Art Deco Watches
Diamond, Platinum
20th Century Swiss Watches
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1940s Vintage Watches
Yellow Gold
2010s European Watches
18k Gold
20th Century Swiss Watches
White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches
1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches
Gold, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches
Steel, Stainless Steel
20th Century Swiss Watches
1990s Swiss Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Swiss Watches
Stainless Steel
1940s American Art Deco Vintage Watches
Platinum
2010s Swiss Watches
18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches
18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Watches
Stainless Steel, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Watches
18k Gold, White Gold
1960s Vintage Watches
18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Watches
18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Watches
Stainless Steel, 18k Gold, Steel
1970s Vintage Watches
18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Watches
18k Gold, Rose Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Watches
Stainless Steel, Steel
Early 2000s Watches
18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Watches
White Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Watches
18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Watches
18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Watches
18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s Vintage Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s Watches
Stainless Steel, 18k Gold, Steel
1930s Vintage Watches
Steel, Stainless Steel, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Watches
Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Watches
Platinum
1960s Swiss Vintage Watches
18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Watches
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Watches
Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Watches
White Gold
2010s Swiss Modern Watches
Rose Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches
1950s Swiss Retro Vintage Watches
Rose Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Watches
White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Watches
White Gold
1960s American Modernist Vintage Watches
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Watches
Yellow Gold, Silver
1950s American Retro Vintage Watches
Diamond, Platinum
1980s Swiss Classical Roman Vintage Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1950s American Retro Vintage Watches
Diamond, White Gold
1950s American Retro Vintage Watches
Diamond, Platinum
20th Century Swiss Watches
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique, New and Vintage Watches
Records show that, in Europe, by the 16th century, it was high time for portable clock devices. Right now, perhaps you’re shopping for your own. If so, find a vast range of fashionable and functional antique, new and classic vintage watches on 1stDibs.
While wall-mounted time tellers and grandfather clocks were much more convenient than the sundials of ancient history, watches were becoming crucial for an increasingly connected society whose members learned that the latest advancements in technology meant they could carry devices that kept time to within a minute a day. Tragically, the first pocket watches — albeit an improvement on the accessories that preceded them, which dangled from a chain worn around the neck — didn’t help much as far as accuracy or portability. Focused on style over substance, the upper class frequently carried lavish pieces that ran hours behind.
Eventually, watches migrated from owners’ pockets to their wrists. In the early days of watchmaking, watches were fragile enough that they necessitated protection from the elements. Now, wristwatches made of gold and steel can withstand the harshest climates — even 100 meters underwater, in the case of Rolex’s Submariner. Designer Gérald Genta, whose range of clients included Rolex, created for Audemars Piguet the first luxury sports timepiece to be made from stainless steel. First introduced in 1972, the Royal Oak was a perfect choice for blending the form and function that are now synonymous with sports watches.
Indeed, although exceedingly practical, the watches of today are far from bland. Bulgari’s iconic Serpenti watch was on everyone’s list after the collection’s bold bracelet, which technically debuted after the timepiece, graced the wrist of actress Elizabeth Taylor. If anything, elaborately crafted timepieces — the unmistakably boxy silhouette of Cartier Tank watches, the elegant and minimal Calatrava designed by legendary Swiss house Patek Philippe — are even more effective than the shape we associate with traditional watches. You’ll always know what time it is because you won’t be able to tear your eyes away from your new accessory.
Form watches — the all-encompassing moniker bestowed upon non-round watches — are making headlines and completing contemporary fashionable ensembles the world over. At the same time, both casual fans and careful collectors are drawn to the unbeatable charm of vintage styles, such as the icons designed by Omega that even James Bond can’t resist.
When shopping for a watch, it’s good to keep your needs as well as your specific personal style in mind: A smaller, subtle timepiece is a good fit for small wrists. When will you be wearing your new accessory? There’s a versatile model out there for everyday wear, while a rugged, feature-heavy watch is a safe bet if you’re prone to embarking on all-weather activities in the great outdoors.
Find exactly what you’re looking for in an unparalleled collection of antique, new and vintage watches on 1stDibs — we promise it will be worth your time.
Read More
The 14 Most Iconic Watches for Women
Style, craft and heritage combine to make these designs undeniable classics.
Stylish Year-Round, This Pumpkin-Colored Patek Philippe Aquanaut Feels Especially Right for Fall
Celebrate the season with a Patek watch made for enjoying the outdoors.
Get a Glimpse at One of the Most Valuable Watch Collections in the World
As the cache goes on display at London’s Design Museum, we speak to its enigmatic owner about some of his rarest acquisitions.
The 6 Most Popular Brands for Luxury Watches
These companies have stood the test of time, making exceptional pieces for generations.
The Personal Luxury Goods Market amid COVID-19
1stDibs dealers discuss the challenges of this unprecedented time, and the signs of hope.
Why Vintage Watches Are Making a Comeback
Men, women and the watchmakers themselves are falling for the old-fashioned charm of retro timepieces.